Carpet Cleaning Tips as Recommended by the IICRC

IICRC
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a certification and standard-setting nonprofit organization for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries.

Carpet Cleaning Tips and Tricks as Recommended by the IICRCWe’re sharing some of the best tips and tricks as recommended by the IICRC.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions for carpet cleaning is a good way to increase the lifespan of your carpets. Like anything else that endures heavy wear and tear, some maintenance is required to help carpets look their best. Carpet cleaning tips can be easily found in multiple places online, but here are a few basics that are relevant to anyone with this type of flooring.

VACUUM THOROUGHLY, PASSING OVER THE AREA FROM DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS
Keeping floor coverings fresh is an important part of maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Carpet fibers catch and hold particles that could contaminate the air quality inside the home. Just like any other filter they become less effective at their job when full, so routine sanitation is critical. Vacuuming is important when preventing the buildup of soil and grime, but it is only the first line of defense when caring for this particular type of floor coverings. Foot traffic, accidents, pets, children, and normal wear are among the many reasons that a carpet or rug may need care beyond regular vacuuming.

Be aware that one pass with a cleaning machine, such as a vacuum or at-home shampooing device is usually not sufficient to do a thorough job. Going over it one time may be enough to remove the dirt that is on the very surface layer, but debris can work its way down into the fibers and may need to be approached multiple times, from different angles in order to be most effective.

ALWAYS SPOT TEST THEN BLOT DON’T RUB!
When using a sanitizing solution be sure to perform a spot test on an out of the way portion of the carpet. This ensures that no discoloration occurs before applying the solutions liberally. If planning on using a machine to shampoo the floor, pre-treating the problem areas can provide more satisfying results. More carpet cleaning tips that everyone should know include blotting instead of rubbing, and working from the edges of a stain to the center. Both techniques have been known to prevent spreading.

TREAT SPOTS RIGHT AWAY
Another of the most important instructions for removing stains and spots is to tend to them immediately, as handling the problem before it has the chance to set could prevent unsightly discolorations and odors. One of the most often overlooked carpet cleaning tips involves drying. Drying thoroughly before continuing regular use can prevent new stains from quickly setting in or indentations from settling into the pile. Rearranging furniture every few months and combing the dents to fluff them are ways to get rid of indentations that are caused by the weight of couches, chairs or tables. Rotating rugs so that they do not get worn in the same places over a long period of time is another quick way to lengthen the vibrancy of smaller floor coverings.

CALL IN THE PROFESSIONALS FOR PERSISTANT STAINS
Some types are harder to clean than others, and the material of the fabric, dyes used and length of the pile all factor into this. Since the construction and sturdiness of the fibers are also variables that affect how maintenance is performed, consider hiring a professional when the correct approach is unclear. Although there are a variety of carpet cleaning tips, for the most persistent stains and invasive odors the assistance of a professional may be the only complete removal method. Someone trained in how to care for, preserve and restore floor coverings has the experience that might make all the difference in the outcome.